Second Life Land Developers Have (Mostly) Left, Hobbyists (Mostly) Remain -- Comment of the Week

Good point from "irihapeti", analyzing the news that the loss of private Second Life sims is (finally) slowing:

Most of the sim/parcel ownership downturn I think is that historically a significant number of people obtained land and built on it a space for others. When the others didn't/don't come then the land is abandoned.

Building spaces for others often comes with an owner hope/expectation (stated or unstated) that the others will contribute to the tiers in some way. Item purchases, parcel rentals, donations, tips, group fees, tier contributions, etc. When the hope/expectation is not met then abandon.

Linden Lab has never released any data on the status of the others but I am pretty sure that land occupants today are more proportionately residentials/hobbyists now than in any previous year. Residential and hobbyist occupants who have no expectation that others will contribute to the occupants' tiers/costs.

In other words, we're at the point where SL sims are either owned by "land barons" who have a stable income source -- or folks can afford to pay hundreds of dollars a month without depending on monetizing visitors:

I think that analysis would show the total number of residentials/hobbyists has been more stable over the last few years than it has been for those who build spaces for others

I think also there is some reason to be a little bit more optimistic about the slowing in the abandon rate. The regularly-attending tier-paying in-world population is now getting down to predominantly residentials/hobbyists occupants, with a comparatively-historical smaller proportion of those who build spaces for others. Residentials/hobbyists on a known and affordable to them budget, are I think more resilient to unmet hope/expectation than those who build spaces for others.

This sounds roughly right. Sad to say, that still leaves out the many great hobbyists who can't afford to keep paying tier, especially when a financial downturn hits.

Comments

[Nalates Urriah]

In Ebbe's interview with Designing Worlds it seems he is aware of this. He talks about how they hope to reduce land cost.

[Jolie Serendipity]

Here is the previously mentioned interview: https://vimeo.com/271636725

[irihapeti]

Lost Gardens of Apollo was a space built for others with a stated hope/expectation that others would contribute to the tiers

http://www.burks.de/burksblog/pix/2008/10/061008_3gr.jpg

when the others didn't it was abandoned

[sirhc desantis]

Build it and they don't come is a constant lament. But SL goes on. irihapeti I have immense respect in all forms. Never known anyone who talked more sense within SL frankly.
So we build and we do..because we want to..and if others enjoy is a bonus.. to the extent of having to give up a HS due to the power company wanting paying (the Beasts!) to 2 premies having a base (well group is 2048+) and eyeing more. irihapeti is right as always.

[Melissa Yeuxdoux]

Not quite sure what you mean by "In other words, we're at the point where SL sims are either owned by "land barons" who have a stable income source -- and folks can afford to pay hundreds of dollars a month without depending on monetizing visitors:" in the absence of an "or" to go with the "either".

[Hamlet Au]

Doh, thanks, fixed

[Pussycat Catnap]

With the recent doubling of base tier and lowering of Premium cost, many people are realizing mainland is not a bad place to go.

I see quality lots filling up. Poor quality spots - next to ugly builds or lacking interesting features - those remain empty.

But people are taking up the things like double-prim, water, road, and cliff land.

They always have, but these are becoming more in demand now.

There are basically 2 reasons to have land in SL:
1. Showcase your brand for a store.
2. Play around and have a personal home for self and friends.

Neither or these requires a sim or an estate.

There is a third reason, to have a large entertainment venue like a roleplay sim or specialty form of entertainment (something needing a lot of private space like perhaps a nude-sailing club - as so much of Blake sea is G-rated).
- But these are few and far between.

Most social venues can also do well on mainland.

What we're cutting out here in a lot of cases is the middle-man. Some of those were predatory, some wee good - both are moving out. They're just not needed anymore.

[Kate Miranda]

I just rented a beautiful place in the Alba sims finding its Scottish island ambience a welcome change from tropical boredom.